Middlewoods “Woodchucks” are Bowling Toward Perfection!

Newington/Farmington, CT (Thursday, February 25, 2016) - Residents from Middlewoods Independent and Assisted Living Communities in Farmington and Newington have been on strike – working their way through an exciting season in the Connecticut Senior Wii Bowling League. The “Woodchucks,” as they are called, began the season in September and will bowl until April, with an end-of-season tournament coming up in May at the Bristol Senior Center. The team includes 10 bowlers; 4 from Middlewoods of Farmington and 6 from Middlewoods of Newington. The Woodchucks are the only team in the league to represent a senior living community (well, two senior living communities, actually). All other opponents in the league are from local senior centers.

The Woodchucks are part of the East Division of the league and play Avon, Canton, Bristol, Plainville, Prospect, and Torrington Senior Centers. There are 13 towns in the league, with 2 divisions; 7 teams in the East and 6 teams in the West, and all teams play one match each month. While they have yet to win a match, the Woodchucks team scores have increased with each game, which gives them reason to celebrate. The team’s best bowlers are Middlewoods of Farmington resident, Steve Cakouros and Middlewoods of Newington resident, Nikki Wierbicki. Most recently the Woodchucks faced off against Torrington Senior Center (the #2 team in the league) but lost 5645-4024. Their next game is March 8th versus Bristol Senior Center (the #1 team in the league), with their final game against Plainville Senior Center on April 19th. Games are played on location at participating senior centers and at both Middlewoods communities. All teams are eligible for the tournament in May.

“Playing on a team has brought out a great competitive spirit among our residents and they look forward to practicing every day. Some of our residents practice multiple times throughout the day by themselves,” shares Stacy Kesl, Executive Director at Middlewoods of Newington. “The league is a great opportunity.” John Buccini, Activities Director at Middlewoods of Newington, and Middlewoods of Farmington Activities Directors, Tanya Janeczko and Joan Jakiela agree that the league has brought a great spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition. “We have met many new friends who have all been supportive of our team,” says John. “It’s been a great inaugural season so far. We are looking forward to joining a summer league to keep up our practice.”

Both Middlewoods communities offer award-winning independent and assisted living options and are affiliated with the UConn Health Center. The communities are owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization. Middlewoods of Farmington is located at 509 Middle Road in Farmington and Middlewoods of Newingtonis located at 2125 Main Street in Newington. To learn more or to schedule a tour, visit www.middlewoods.org.

Photo: Middlewoods “Woodchucks” pose for a photo with opponents from Torrington Senior Center after a recent game. Both teams are members of the CT Senior Wii Bowling League.

About Marissa Salvesen

My journey into the world of senior living began when I started working for United Methodist Homes in 2010. Starting as an Activities Director at one of our-winning assisted and independent living communities and then transitioning to Marketing and Promotions Manager for UMH, I now work as the Manager of Mission Development, fostering the Mission and Values of our organization. I love sharing stories about the many ways we build meaningful relationships and enrich the lives of those we serve, and am proud to be part of building UMH’s 140-year legacy of caring. Wondering what makes our communities such special places to live and work? Connect with me and find out!

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